After a summer that mostly wasn't, we've landed in Oz to a spring that's 27-30 C. Our hotel--actually condos owned by individuals--is situated on a hill, and many of our rooms look out onto Bulcock Beach (no kidding) and the surrounding countryside. The beach has light brown sand and is lined with graceful Norfolk pine through which we see not only water with its birds, boats, swimmers, and fishers, but a large sandbar beyond then more ocean and other condo towers clustering the beach in the distance.

Some of us went to Fraser Island Tuesday which is the largest sand island in the world; some took a bus to the Australian Zoo; and others like myself and roommate felt like being domestic, so we shopped around Caloundra for a few thrift store items and a booklet, chatted with members of the Illawara team we met on the main street (Illawara's just south of Sydney) and bought fresh produce and eggs grown locally from a covered but outdoor market then cooked up a roast chicken meal.

The Fraser Island people set off at 5:00 a.m. in four four-wheel drive vehicles, one of which broke down on the island and had to be towed by another. The ride along the street or highway which is actually a beach was extremely bumpy because the wheels pound a foot or two down into the white sand and race along swinging this way and that. The unmarked street is one way only and there's a speed limit of 80K. Some of the favorite moments were passing boxing kangaroos in the wild, sighting whales in the ocean, and swimming in soft, soft water over white sand in Lake MacKenzie which is totally fed by rain water. Evidently, people rub it all over their skin to make it softer and people clean their jewelry using the sand and water to make it shine. The creeks in the forest are silent because there are no rocks. The ancient ferns in the rain forest were especially beautiful. But the white ocean beach itself was so long and clear one could see Vancouver if one could see that far.

Those who went to the zoo had fun--some petted kangaroos, some held koala bears, and one even fed an elephant. The koala have long claws, are noisy, and make sounds like active snorer s do. They are extremely soft, but they also "stink" or smell like they ate too much eucalyptus. Everyone enjoyed the show at the stadium--especially the birds of prey they had never seen before. Several paddlers told me they were impressed by how clean all the animals were and how they liked the general attitude or philosophy of the place.

Today, Wednesday, we had our first practice at Lake Kawana. The lanes are marked with red balls throughout the course making it easy to stay within our lane and for others theirs, but should the race day be windy like today, it might not be that easy for the steers. Racing down the course against the wind reminded me of Poland--recovering the paddle fighting wind and getting long deep strokes into choppy water is certainly not a simple task. We all look forward to tomorrow where we'll all do our best, and we are as excited as the whole town is about the parade on Friday and the regatta this weekend.

Maria Hindmarch

Thursday, Sept 27th

The birds start chirping at 4:30am in Caloundra and the sun is up brightly by 6am. Our 11th floor balcony at CentrePoint Apts has a magnificent panorama view from east to west.

As I sit on the deck at 6am this morning for a few minutes of piece of quiet I can't help but think back to the 10th celebration, over two years ago when Michelle invited the world to Australia in 2007. And....here we are -- we are so fortunate!

This morning the Cove goes out early at 7am for their final practice and Deas and Fort follow at 9am.There are a few clouds forming as we ride out on the bus to Lake Kawana and sure enough---- warm rain starts falling for our practice!! No fear-- just like home!!! Divas do 3 - 500 meter races back to back and we are ready!!! Our bus ride out to Lake Kawana was a bit frightening for a certain dear coach named JoJo-- a major pink moment when she noticed we had no bus driver but the bus was moving!!! Hysterical laughter--- the driver is on the right and Jo is feeling much better!!!

This afternoon is free time so we head back to change and hit the shops of Caloundra, the beach (as the storm has passed), many are off kayaking and walking the Board walk. Thursday night is "Divas" cocktail party so the "code of silence" is in effect and I can say no more!!!

Friday morning, September 28th

Another spectacular day and the anticipation is mounting for the parade later today. At 8am many of the Canadian teams gathered on the beach for a photo op for the Run for the Cure. The picture was being emailed to the Victoria Run for the Cure committee who planned to show our group on the jumbo screen at the start of the Victoria race on Sunday morning. Of course we had to break out into "Oh Canada" and "Beautiful Paddling Weather" --- everyone crying and laughing....we are quite the sight on the beach this morning.

Today is a busy day with meetings for sweeps and Captains to find out all the details for racing this weekend. Then it's back to the hotel to get decked out in our pink finery for the Pink Parade down the main street of Caloundra.

Heather Trenholm